Lucas Paquetá has framed Brazil's latest selection problem in simple terms. Raphinha is out with a hamstring injury, Neymar is back in training, and the next stop is Scotland. Paquetá said Brazil were happy to see Neymar training again, while also admitting they are losing a key attacker.
Paqueta's case for Neymar
Paquetá did not hide the mood around the squad. "We're all very happy to see him training and back on the pitch with us," he said. On Neymar's value, he added: "Neymar is a very important player for the Brazilian national team. He has an extraordinary history with this shirt and he can still help us a lot."
That is a fair reading of where Brazil are now. Neymar did not feature in Brazil's opening group games against Morocco and Haiti, so any return against Scotland would be his first appearance for Brazil since October 2023. For a side already dealing with one attacking absence, that is a useful lift rather than a sentimental storyline.
Paquetá also gave the blunt side of the update on Raphinha. "We are all sad, especially Rafa, because of the little setback with this injury, but he can count on all of us for support," he said. He then spelled out what Brazil lose without him: "We all know his characteristics, his qualities, his pace, his ability to create space and his finishing ability, so I think we are losing a very important player."
Raphinha's setback and Brazil's next step
The injury has already cost Raphinha a lot of football. He has missed 24 matches for club and country since the campaign began, which underlines how disruptive the hamstring problem has been. Brazil are still aiming for a possible last-16 game in early July, but the immediate focus is Scotland and what the attack looks like without one of its most direct runners.
Brazil have four points from their first two World Cup matches after the draw with Morocco and the win over Haiti. That leaves them in reasonable shape, but the attacking balance changes if Raphinha is out and Neymar is only just back into the picture.
The short-term view is clear enough. Brazil need the depth in their front line to hold up, and Paquetá's comments suggest Neymar is the player they expect to help fill the gap. If that happens against Scotland, it will be because Brazil are treating it as a live competitive match, not a ceremonial return.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →